Website of the Department of Health

HSC 1999/018 Overseas visitors' eligibility to receive free primary care

This circular is now obsolete. It summarised overseas visitors' entitlement to primary care, clarifying existing policy and describing the changes brought in by the new EC health care form E128. It replaced HN(FP)(84)7 and FPN 353.

20 October 2008:

There is currently no specific guidance available replacing Health Service Circular 1999/018. The Department intends there to be a public consultation regarding access to the NHS by foreign nationals.  We cannot be specific over the timing but anticipate publication in late winter/early spring 2009.  Once the consultation process is complete appropriate guidance will be issued regarding the rules for eligibility for access to the NHS by foreign nationals.

In the interim, where a general practice believes that it needs advice before registering (or refusing to register) a patient under their contract they can approach their local PCT for assistance.

(Gateway reference 10746).

• Download HSC 1999/018 - OBSOLETE (PDF, 1077K)